Discussion
Do you think Americans are more outgoing and informal than the British, who are more private and reserved?
Although there may be truth in this statement, it is a generalization and perhaps even a stereotype. People have to be viewed as individuals, and we should not stereotype because there are many factors playing into socialising. Some of these factors are age, ethnic group (within the country), and regional differences. The main point is that people deal with each other in various ways and “our way” is not the best – or only- way. This is especially true for business and socialising at, or after work. When dealing with people at work from other cultures we must be sensitive and show respect. We need to make a special effort to observe how things are done in the other group’s culture; that doesn’t mean we have to change ourselves, but besides respect, there is also a need to show tolerance. This is the key to having successful cross-cultural relationships at work.
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Here is a (not exhaustive) list of things that could be different, depending on the culture:
- Outgoing/informal vs. private/formal/reserved
- Live to work vs. work to live
- Order vs. flexibility
- Hierarchical vs. democratic
- Loose time vs. strict time
- Formality in names vs. informality
- Expressive body language vs. restrained body language
- Large vs. small personal space
- Self-determination vs. a fatalistic mentality
- Personal fulfilment vs. group fulfilment
- Merit (respect for achievement) vs. standing (respect for role or rank)
- Relationship (we work together because we are close to each other) vs. task-oriented
- (we get closer because we work together well)
- Welcoming vs. avoiding the risk
- Innovative vs. traditional
- Open vs. subtle disagreement
- Multi-tasking vs. linear tasking
- Lunch is a snack (and perhaps at very different times) vs. lunch is the main meal- and a pleasure
- Pride in your country (more than just sport) vs. foreign is best